The Black Ferns Sevens have left Canada with a tournament win at the HSBC Vancouver Sevens and qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Following a tantalising final this afternoon, the Black Ferns Sevens beat Australia 19 – 12, their fourth win of the series. While the day before, the Black Ferns Sevens also guaranteed themselves a qualification spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, following yesterday’s quarter final against Canada.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson congratulated the Black Ferns Sevens team on confirming their sport in Paris.
“Olympic qualification has been the leading goal for the Black Ferns Sevens team this season. It is no easy task to secure Olympic qualification, the display of rugby sevens we have been privileged to witness in recent months has been exceptional. I am sure their focus will now turn to claiming the world series and we will look forward to continuing to support their efforts on the world stage.”
Black Ferns Sevens Captain Sarah Hirini said Olympic qualification has been the ambition since the start of the season.
“Our goal from the beginning of this season was to qualify for Paris 2024. While we have now qualified for the Olympics, our season hasn’t finished yet. As a team we want to keep building on what we have already achieved and continue our preparations for the Olympics next year.”
The win sees the Black Ferns Sevens team extend their lead at the top spot on the Women’s Sevens Series standings with two tournaments remaining, Hong Kong (31 March – 2 April) and Toulouse (12 May – 14 May).
The All Blacks Sevens, were undefeated at the HSBC Vancouver Sevens until they were knocked out by Australia in a thrilling quarter final match. Despite the result, the All Blacks Sevens team secured 5th place and still remain at the top of the men’s World Series standings with four tournaments remaining, in a tightly contested Olympic qualification race. They need to finish in the top four to secure Olympic qualification.
With thanks to New Zealand Rugby
